Watchdog slams council for 'fractured' relations between some members and officers

A NORTH Wales council has been blasted by a watchdog for "governance failures" and "fractured relationships" between some councillors and officers.

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The Wales Audit Office [WAO] accepted Wrexham County Borough Council had made "statements of good intent" but claims there has been insufficient progress so far.

WAO said after a review of the Planning Service in 2023 it found problems and recommendations for improvements were made. But a second review has shown that improvements have not gone far enough, they said.

Now WAO says the council faces an urgent call to address governance failures and improve member engagement.

In a statement the WAO said today: "Despite previous recommendations, and statements of good intent from the council, insufficient progress has been made in addressing critical governance issues.

"Low levels of member engagement in training and personal development, and instances of poor behaviour and fractured relationships at the senior level are all factors that endanger the council's decision-making, governance, and reputation.